Overview
This Martin TR4501 Urbie Green Model is a small bore tenor trombone built during the 1980s. Developed by Martin with Urbie Green’s lyrical musical approach in mind, the TR4501 is known for its lightweight construction, silky tonal character, effortless response, and elegant design.
This model is particularly well suited to jazz soloists, lead players, commercial musicians, and performers working in small ensemble settings. Although it is less commonly encountered than comparable vintage models from King, Conn, or Bach, the TR4501 has developed a loyal following among players familiar with its distinctive playing qualities.
Condition Summary
This instrument was exceptionally clean and retained its original parts and lacquer. There was no history of significant damage or repair.
The lightweight handslide was recently checked and remained in excellent playing condition. Its smooth action and responsive construction contributed significantly to the effortless feel associated with this model.
Player Perspective
The TR4501 is notably light and comfortable in the hands. Its balanced ergonomics, particularly through the left-hand grip, make it easier to hold during long rehearsals, performances, and recording sessions than many other trombones from the same period.
Tonally, the instrument produces the smooth, buttery sound commonly associated with Urbie Green’s lyrical jazz style. It speaks quickly, responds easily throughout the register, and provides secure upper-register slotting without feeling rigid or overly resistant.
The TR4501 handles big band playing, ballads, jazz solos, and small ensemble work with equal finesse. Its response favors musical nuance and flexibility rather than sheer volume, making it an expressive alternative to more familiar vintage jazz trombones.
Historical Perspective
The Martin TR4501 was developed and marketed as an Urbie Green model. Its lightweight construction and responsive playing characteristics reflected many of the qualities players associated with Green’s musical style.
Although Urbie Green is often associated with King trombones, the TR4501 remains an interesting part of Martin’s later professional trombone history. Surviving examples provide insight into the company’s efforts to create a refined small bore instrument for jazz, commercial, and solo performance.
Value Perspective
Martin TR4501 trombones appear less frequently on the vintage market than comparable King, Conn, and Bach jazz models. Original condition, lacquer preservation, handslide quality, included accessories, and freedom from significant damage or repair can all influence collector interest and market value.
Clean examples may be especially attractive to players seeking a lightweight professional jazz trombone with a distinctive identity and a playing character that differs from more familiar vintage designs.
Includes
- Original Martin case
- Original parts and lacquer
Mouthpiece not included.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
Is the Martin TR4501 a true Urbie Green model?
Yes. Martin developed and marketed the TR4501 as an Urbie Green model, incorporating lightweight construction and responsive playing characteristics associated with his musical style.
Is the Martin TR4501 still a good jazz trombone today?
Yes. The model continues to appeal to jazz players who appreciate its lighter weight, smooth handslide, balanced ergonomics, and warm, flexible tonal response. It remains a strong choice for players seeking an expressive small bore alternative.
How does the TR4501 compare with other vintage jazz trombones?
The TR4501 generally feels light, immediate, and easy to play. Its tonal character tends to be smooth and centered rather than aggressive, making it particularly effective for lyrical jazz playing, ballads, commercial work, and small ensemble performance.
Are Martin TR4501 trombones difficult to find?
Examples occasionally appear on the secondary market, but clean and original instruments are encountered less frequently than comparable vintage trombones from King, Conn, or Bach.
Research & Historical Reference
This Martin TR4501 Urbie Green Model tenor trombone has been sold and is no longer available. This page is maintained as part of The Brass Exchange Archive of Sold collection to preserve information about its condition, construction, historical context, and real-world playing characteristics.
Archived instrument pages serve as ongoing references for trombone players, collectors, educators, students, and researchers studying professional and vintage brass instruments.
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The Brass Exchange specializes in professional and vintage trombones from makers including Martin, Conn, King, Bach, Holton, Olds, and many others. Our experience handling individual instruments, complete collections, and estates provides practical insight into originality, condition, playability, historical significance, and current market interest.